More Than 100 Events Planned For 2nd Annual Middnight On Main In Middletown

MIDDLETOWN — — The second annual Middnight on Main celebration New Year's Eve will welcome 2013 with more than 100 events at more than 20 venues.

Throughout downtown and the North End, there will be live music, film screenings,games for children, dance lessons, comedy shows and lots of other activities from 3 p.m. to midnight.

Fireworks will go off at 6 p.m. and revelers will gather beginning at 11:30 p.m. in front of The Church of the Holy Trinity for a countdown to 2013.

The headlining concert will be Dar Williams, a Wesleyan University graduate and folk singer. She will play at First Church of Christ on Court Street at 8 and 9 p.m. Gandalf Murphy and the Grand Slombovians will play at First Church at 10 and 11 p.m.

For a full list of events and venues, go to http://www.middnight.org or download the Middnight on Main app for iPhone and Android.

Amato's Toy and Hobby and its holiday model train display will be open from 2 to 6 p.m. and the KidCity children's museum will be open from 1 to 8 p.m. for free playtime.

The building at 423 Main St. will host board game tournaments, a chess tournament and games of Magic: The Gathering. The Middletown Roller Rink will have skating from 3 to 11:30 p.m.

Middnight includes a mix of scheduled events, like films and concerts, as well as ongoing sessions for arts and crafts and face-painting.

Buttons for entry to events may be purchased online and picked up at the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce, or purchased at It's Only Natural Market, NoRA Cupcake Co., Amato's, Coldstone Creamery, KidCity, New England Emporium or Wesleyan Potters on South Main Street.

Buttons cost $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 2 to 12. They will be available at the chamber, 393 Main St., on the day of the event.

"There is a blend between performances and activities," said Jennifer Alexander, director of KidCity and one of the event's organizers. "We see Middnight as a very interactive event. We want people to try things. Some [events] are audience-based, some are participatory, and we're trying to make something for everyone in the family."